Willow, Bichon Frise, Maltese and Havanese mix, laying down wearing her "Eat, Sleep, Play, Poop" Dog Sweater.

3 Things You Should Do Before Buying Dog Clothes

Just Measure Me Already

It's no secret I love to dress up as much as my brother Dilla. Ever since my pawrents brought me home from that awful shelter, nursing all my wounds, physically and mentally, they showered me with love and put me in my very first tutu dog dress.

Looking back now, I'm chuckling to myself because I had no idea what my daddy was doing when he placed a long paper strip along my back and around my neck & belly. At first, I thought he was playing a new game, so naturally I tried biting the piece of paper in his hands. My mommy wasn't too pleased, gently reminding me the paper doohickey was not a toy and didn't deserve to be torn to shreds.

I started to protest and continue gnawing at it, but one look at their stern faces, and I just knew my pawrents had enough of my shenanigans for one day. I decided to be the bigger species and maintain the peace by keeping my paws and mouth to myself and letting the paper tape thingamajig live to see another day. I know what you're thinking: how big of me to behave. And you would be right! That's exactly what I said because there's always tomorrow. 😜 Shhhh don't tell my pawrents I said that.

Willow, Bichon Frise, Maltese and Havanese mix wearing the Eat, Pop, Play, Repeat Dog Sweater laying on top of the measuring tape.
Okay mommy and daddy, you win. Just measure me already!

Anyways, here's some photos of the whole ordeal. You can tell I behaved perfectly the entire time. 🥰

The best way to know your dog's costume size? Measure your dog's chest size.
Love this photo! Super proud of my chest.
The best way to know your dog's costume size? Measure your dog's neck size.
Don't be fooled by all the hair, my neck is really really small.
The best way to know your dog's costume size? Measure your dog's back length size.
Sheesh look how long I am! Think I've grown a couple of inches in the last few months.

Okay, back to the dress. As soon as I put it on, I was instantly in love. It had everything to do with all the lace and how soft the dress was, making me feel so special. All eyes were on me and I know that might sound a little obnoxious to some, but if you grew up in shelters where everyone ignores you, a little extra attention is completely justified.

Also, for the record, loving the dress had absolutely nothing at all to do with the fact my mommy kept giving me the most delicious peanut butter bones while I was trying on several more dresses. It was practically doggy heaven: try on a dress, get a treat or two, repeat. Now if you ask me, why on earth wouldn't you love dressing up?

Willow, a Bichon Frise, Maltese and Havanese mix modeling her Kiss Me dog dress.
Feeling pretty in pink 💕

This one time my pawrents bought me a dress without taking my measurements. Ooooh boy! You should have seen them trying to stuff me into that dress, just like Cinderella's wicked step-sisters trying to fit into that glass shoe. It was not pretty.

Best way to know your dog's costume size?

Remember, it’s always important to know your pup's measurements while shopping for their next awesome outfit, as apparel sizes vary from brand to brand and style to style. Knowing your dog's measurements is the best way to ensure a perfect fit and will keep them safe and comfortable. My pawrents measure me every single time they buy me a new outfit. They're so cute.

What's the best way to know your dog's costume size? Measure your dog's chest, neck and back length.
How to Measure Your Dog

Make sure your pawrents follow these 3 Steps:

  1. Chest: measure the girth, the widest part around your dog's chest, right behind the front legs.
  2. Back Length: measure from the base of the collar to the base of the tail.
  3. Neck: measure around the neck, right in the middle where a collar would normally sit.

Pro tips when measuring your dog for clothing

Sometimes when you guys are measuring us it looks like we expand and shrink like an accordion so add a couple of inches to the chest and back length measurements to ensure your furbaby is nice and comfy. If your pup's measurements fall between sizes, order the larger size instead of the smaller one. For more helpful tips, click here to learn more.

Want to ensure a proper fit? Watch Willow's video and learn how to measure your dog for clothing!

Now that you have your furbaby's measurements, browse our store and find the most adorable doggy outfits.

Okay I'm going to go play now... signing off 😉


About the author: Willow, a Bichon Frise mix with eyes that’ll melt your heart is a daddy’s girl. She is also the first in line to go walking, first to get food, first for kisses and cuddles. Whatever it is, Willow likes to be FIRST. She spent most of her life living in shelters so things haven't always been easy. But now, she gets to write about dog fashion, her new family and cool lil brother Dilla. Cool as a cucumber and named after the late amazing record producer J Dilla, Dilla is a Boston Terrier and French Bulldog mix. Admittedly, he hasn't always been a fan of dressing up, but Dilla has come to dig only dog clothes that are comfortable and functional. Hoodies and sweaters are his favorite! Join these two as they help pups unleash their fashionable side.